Title: Men of the Bible: And What Made Them Great
Author: Woody Stieffel
Publisher: Olympus Story House
ISBN: 978-1963851632
Pages: 292
Genre: Christian
Reviewer: Ephantus M.
Pacific Book Review
Using highly factual Bible stories, author Woody Stieffel’s book, Men of the Bible: And What Made Them Great, assesses the character of nine historical figures and illustrates what distinguished them from the rest. It also intends to highlight exceptional men who have gone unrecognized and God’s encounters with them that resulted in incredible miracles.
Woody methodically discloses Jacob’s background, demonstrating both his vile character and an extraordinary change in which he not only made amends with a sibling whom his mother liked less, but also cleansed himself of foreign deities and long-standing deception. He also discusses Samson, a foretold and incredibly gifted judge – a legendary one-man army, who epitomizes being filled with the Spirit and the incredible outcomes that resulted from it. He abandoned God, but God did not abandon him; rather, an unlikely incident taught him a lesson about God’s mercy that he would never forget. He also looks at Mordecai, whose rise to prominence redefined grandeur, and David, whose popularity, while being tainted by filthy faults and blunders as well as brokenness and prayer, has endured to this day.
This book intelligently and courageously analyzes and reveals the positive and bad traits of well-known biblical figures while also providing an intimate glimpse into how their choices shaped their lives. By doing this, it invites the reader to envision and contrast their life with a preconceived idea of what God desires their current situation to become in the future. From a pragmatic standpoint, the author is able to highlight these well-known figures, not just their notoriety but also the circumstances which led to it and the preparations that some of them underwent. The reader may get a lot of knowledge, especially regarding relationships, from stories like Samson’s and Solomon’s, as he uncovers comparable flaws and consequences of their actions and decisions. The author’s use of memorable Biblical events that make one think what they would have done differently is remarkable and provokes thoughtful contemplation.
Not only does Woody’s thoroughly researched book provide a wealth of teachings, but it also has amusing word choices and humorous interludes. It draws indisputable findings and strong opinions that are sure to make an effect on the reader for a long time. With its distinct viewpoint and robust biblical worldview, the book surpasses expectations and is certain to change a reader’s long-held beliefs and make them reevaluate their priorities.
One of the few works devoted solely to men’s character development and spiritual advancement is Men of the Bible: And What Made Them Great. Perfectly grounded in biblical principles, it is a fitting companion for men of all ages, races, and origins. It is also deserving of being given as a Valentine’s Day, birthday, or an anniversary gift.
This book is a thought-provoking read that offers timeless wisdom from the lives of biblical men. I would highly recommend this book for those looking to strengthen their own faith and gain a deeper understanding of biblical principles.